ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
NITI Aayog
Atal Innovation Mission launches women centric challenges under its ANIC program
New Delhi: Atal Innovation Mission , NITI Aayog today launched Woman centric challenges under phase-II of the 2nd edition of the Atal New India Challenge . ANIC is an initiative by AIM, NITI Aayog targeted to seek, select, support and nurture technology-based innovations that solve sectoral challenges of national importance and societal relevance. through a grant-based mechanism of up to INR 1 crore.
Keeping in mind that “a woman is an architect of society”, ANIC’s Woman centric challenges address the major issues faced by woman from all spheres of life. These include driving women hygiene through innovation, innovations to improve women’s safety, professional networking opportunities for women, innovations that make working mothers’ life better, and easing the life of Rural Women.
Addressing the gathering, CEO NITI Aayog Parmeswaran Iyer said “At NITI Aayog and AIM, our huge focus is on women empowerment and today’s event is especially important because we are launching women centric challenges. I congratulate the AIM team and I am glad to be opening such challenges to our young innovators. These challenges are thought provoking and can lead to major innovations and solutions.
While launching the challenges, Mission Director AIM NITI Aayog said “we at AIM are launching the Woman Centric Challenges in line with our honourable Prime Minister’s vision to enable women and girls to live up to their fullest potential. These Challenges crafted ANIC to address the major issues faced by woman from all spheres of life. I encourage innovators to visit our website and apply for this noble initiative at earliest.”
To apply, visit - https://www.aim-challenges.in/
The challenge was launched during the annual mentor round table organized by AIM, NITI Aayog to felicitate the exemplary mentors of change.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Upliftment of Transgenders
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment proposes to introduce a Bill titled "The Transgender Persons  Bill, 2019" in the Lok Sabha, with the aim of mitigating the stigma, discrimination and abuse against marginalized Transgender population and bring them into the mainstream of society.
As informed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Employee State Insurance Act is a legislation which provides certain benefits to employees in case of sickness, maternity and employment injury and to make provision for certain other matters in relation thereto. The ESI Act does not differentiate amongst the employees covered under the Act on basis of their sex. If transgender are employed in a factory/establishment which come under the purview of ESI Act, the benefits available under the ESI Act will automatically be available to them. Hence, amendment in ESI Act is not required.
This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Rattan Lal Kataria in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Lt. Gen. Tarun Kumar Aich takes over as Director General, National Cadet Corps
Lt. Gen. Tarun Kumar Aich has taken over as Director General, National Cadet Corps on 01 Jan 2021. He took the charge as 33rd DG of NCC – the premier youth organization of the country.
Lt Gen Tarun Kumar Aich was commissioned into the 16th Battalion of the MADRAS Regiment in Jun 1986. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He is a Postgraduate and holds an M Phil in Defence and Strategic Studies from the Madras University.
The General Officer has a rich and varied experience of serving in different terrains. He has commanded his Battalion in the Siachen Glacier and in the intense counter terrorism environment of the Valley Sector in Kashmir. He has commanded a brigade in the Western Theatre, which is part of a Strike Corps. He has also commanded the Reorganized Army Plains Infantry Division  in the desert sector. After his tenure in the deserts, the General Officer has commanded the prestigious High Altitude Warfare School at Gulmarg.
Ministry of Defence
Opening Ceremony for INDO-RUSSIAN Joint Tri Service Exercise INDRA-2019
Opening ceremony for the second edition of bilateral tri-service Exercise INDRA – 2019 between India and Russia was conducted on 11 December 2019 at Babina, Uttar Pradesh. Lieutenant General DS Ahuja, Chief of Staff Southern Command along with Major General Tsekov Oleg, Commander in Chief, 5th Army of Eastern Military District, reviewed the parade.
The exercise will be simultaneously conducted at Babina , Goa and Pune. Company sized mechanised contingents, fighter and transport aircraft and ships of respective services of both the countries are taking part in the exercise. The aim of exercise is joint training of troops in counter terrorism operations under the United Nations mandate. Exercise INDRA-2019 will further cement the long standing strategic ties between India and Russia.
As part of the exercise, important lectures, demonstrations and drills related to counter terrorism operations will be conducted. Both the countries will also share their valuable experience in countering such situations and refine drills and procedures for joint operations.
The exercise will culminate with a 72 hours validation phase which will test the skills of soldiers, sailors and airmen in conducting joint operations in a counter terrorism scenario.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 538
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 198.49 Crore
More than 15 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 198.49 Crore  today. More than 15 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10409406
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10070101
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
5815533
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18425173
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17634486
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
10710679
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
37278318
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
24751074
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
60632624
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
49407574
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
558492794
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
503354081
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
3661962
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
203486773
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
193899846
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
2907963
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
127298204
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
121136131
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
25560919
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
1016023292
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
920253293
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
48657056
|
|
Total
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|
1984933641
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
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|
Date: 7th July, 2022 
|
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HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
57
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
589
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
19243
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
162
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1003
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
69755
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
107811
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
223300
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
32429
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
119015
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
37419
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
269444
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
200720
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5714
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
58043
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
100937
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
4991
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
40814
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
228166
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
188583
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
712208
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
618821
|
|
Total
|
|
1519612
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Culture
Sangeet Natak Akademi announces one-time Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav 
86 artists from the field of the Performing Arts of India selected for this award
Main Highlights:
- The Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award carries a purse money of Rs. 1,00,000/- , besides a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi has announced one-time Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav  commemorating 75 years of India’s independence for 86 artists.
The General Council of Sangeet Natak Akademi, the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama, New Delhi, at its meeting held from 6-8 November 2022 at New Delhi has unanimously selected Eighty Six  artists for this one-time Award. These include artists who are above the age of 75 years and haven’t been accorded any national honour in their career so far, from the field of the Performing Arts of India.
The Awardees so selected represent the nation as a whole, and belong to different States and Union Territories. Besides, these artists cover the different genres of the performing arts of India.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award carries a purse money of Rs. 1,00,000/- , besides a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
Click here for complete list
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Women Entrepreneurship
Government has taken several measures aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among women in the country. These include:
1. Initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship :
- To encourage women entrepreneurship within the Country, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship  implements the project named‘Economic Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs and Startups by Women’.The project pilots incubation and acceleration programmes for women micro entrepreneurs to start new businesses and scale up existing enterprises.
2. Initiatives of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises :
- Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme : a majorcredit-linked subsidy programme aimed at generating self-employment opportunities through establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector.Any individual above 18 years of age is eligible to avail benefits of the program.
- For beneficiaries belonging to special categories such as women/ scheduled caste/scheduled tribe/OBC /minorities, ex-serviceman, physically handicapped, North Eastern Region, Hill and Border areas etc. the margin money subsidy is 35% in rural areas and 25% in urban areas.
- Special provision of 3 per cent procurement from Micro and Small Enterprises owned by women.
- NITI Aayog’s initiative:
- The Women Entrepreneurship Platform  was launched on 8 March, 2018 on the occasion of the International Women’s Day as NITI Aayog’s flagship initiative. WEP has pan India coverage and does not have state specific programme/s. Registration on the portal and all subsequent services are provided free of cost for WEP users. WEP caters to both aspiring and well established women in the space of entrepreneurship.
- Ministry of Rural Development is implementing the following:
- Skill development through Rural Self Employment and Training Institutes ,is a Bank-led initiative, enabling a trainee to take bank credit and start his/her own micro-enterprise.
- RSETI program is currently implemented through 585 RSETIs by 23 Leading Banks  in 33 States/UTs covering 566 districts in the country.
- Training in RSETI is being imparted for 61 courses aligned with National Skill Qualification Framework . Out of 61 courses as many as 38 following courses are exclusively suitable for women candidates for taking up-self employment ventures after being trained in these courses.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Low Milk Production
 Implementation of Nationwide AI coverage for extending artificial insemination coverage and increasing milk production and productivity of bovines including indigenous breeds;  Induction of MAITRIs  for delivery of artificial insemination services at farmers doorstep;  implementation of progeny testing and pedigree selection for production of high genetic merit bulls including indigenous breeds;  establishment of Gokul Grams for development and conservation of indigenous breeds;  two National Kamdhenu Breeding Centers as repository of germplasm of indigenous breeds;  accelerated breed improvement programme using sex sorted semen of high genetic merit bulls including indigenous breeds;  accelerated breed improvement programme using IVF technology for propagation of elite animals of indigenous breeds and  establishment of breed multiplication farm preferably of indigenous breeds.
Following specific efforts have been made in Bundelkhand region for enhancement of productivity of indigenous bovine breeds :  Gokul Gram for Tharparkar and Sahiwal breed of cattle has been established at Ratona in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh with an investment of Rs 11.37 crores;  Farmer and Artificial Insemination Training Institute established at Ratona in Sagar district;  semen station has been made operational in January 2021 at Nauner in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh  all the 13 districts of Bundelkhand region  are covered under Nationwide AI Programme and  for delivery of Artificial Insemination Services at farmers doorstep so far 175 MAITRIs have been trained and inducted in Bundelkhand region during 2020-21, further 188 MAITRIs are under training during 2021- 22.
It is estimated that additional direct and indirect employment opportunities upto 50 lakh farmers and rural entrepreneurs will be created in the cattle, dairy, poultry, sheep, goat, piggery, feed and fodder sector including Bundelkhand region.
This information was given by The Minister of Fisheries , Animal Husbandry Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala in the Lok Sabha in a written reply today.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
PMJDY- a Scheme of Succour for Marginal People of the Country who were out of Banking Sector opines Bankers
Kolkata, August 29, 2020
Sh. Naseeruddin and his family had no means to save money, till he ventured into a small business of hawking puffed rice and tea taking an overdraft of Rs 10,000 under Pradhanmantri Jan Dhan Yojana . With that capital, Sh. Naseeruddin emerged victorious to turn his business into a profitable one and requested Bangiya Gramin Vikas Bank  to increase the amount of the overdraft to expand his small enterprise. Naseeruddin is very much thankful to the bank as the Bank provided his mother Rs 500 thrice in her PMJDY account in the Covid pandemic situation. There are several such success stories in every nook and corner of West Bengal regarding the values the PMJDY added in changing the economic scenario of the country. As Smt Kuhu Ganguly, DGM, FI & MM, State Bank of India  puts it, those who were habituated in cash transactions so long in absence of bank accounts are now not only able to know the details about their expenditures & savings, but are also able to get interests on their savings, as they are enjoying savings accounts, due to opening of zero-balance Jan Dhan Accounts. SBI has thus 1crore 44 lakh Jan Dhan accounts across the State, with more than Rs 4,600 crore balances in them. Out of this 1.89% are zero-balance accounts and Rs 1,80 crore disbursed to women account-holders having average balance of Rs. 3,600, stated Smt Ganguly in a webinar organised by Press Information Bureau , Kolkata and Field Outreach Bureau, Chuchura today titled ‘Benefits of PMJDY and its Impact on Society’. The other speakers of the webinar included Miss Lilima Chowdhury, Chief Manager, Indian Bank , Shri Tathagata Maitra, Manager , BGVB, Shri Sunil Kr. Yadav, SM, Punjab National Bank , FI Cell, several beneficiaries, including NGOs and representatives from media. The webinar was inaugurated by Ms Jane Namchu, Additional Director General, Eastern Region, Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
According to Miss Lilima Chowdhury, the PMJDY has not only helped in bringing the still unbanked population of the country under banking service, it has also helped people belonging to the unorganised sector in availing banking benefits, including insurance coverage and many other facilities.
Shri Tathagata Maitra stated that under PMJDY, BGVB has 43,14,731 accounts across the State and under Pradhanmantri Suraksha Bima Yojana  the bank has till July 31, 2020, 3,31,732 beneficiaries. Under the Pradhanmantri Mudra Yojana the bank has 15,451 account-holders, stated Shri Maitra while stating the total number of RuPay cards issued so far. He mentioned that the bank has so far issued 4,11,354 RuPay cards.
Shri Sunil Yadav also stated the position of the PNB in the State so far as the PMJDY is concerned. Skri Anil Kr. Sinha, DGM, PNB was present in the webinar as an observer.
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Nominations open for Padma Awards - 2019
Online nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2019 have started from 1st May, 2018. The last date for nominations for Padma Awards is September 15, 2018.
Nominations have been invited from Central Ministries/Departments, States/UT Governments, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees, Institutes of Excellence as also from several other sources to enable broadbased consideration. The MHA communication dated April 25, 2018 requested them to make concerted efforts in identifying talented persons whose excellence and achievements really deserve to be recognized, and make suitable nominations in their favour.
The nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards will be received online only on the Padma portal www.padmaawards.gov.in. All citizens can make nominations/recommendation including self-nomination. The nominations/recommendations should contain all relevant details specified in the format available on the above said website, including a citation in narrative form , clearly bringing out the distinguished and exceptional achievements/service of the person recommended in her/his respective field/discipline. While recommending a person online, it should be ensured that all the necessary details are filled properly.
The Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country. Instituted in 1954, these Awards are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year. The award seeks to recognize ‘work of distinction’ and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields/disciplines, such as, Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry etc.
All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards. Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field.
The MHA communication requested that efforts may be made to identify talented persons from amongst women, weaker sections of the society, SCs & STs, divyang persons, etc., who deserve to be considered for the award. Government servants including those working with PSUs, except Doctors and Scientists, are not eligible for Padma Awards.
For further details click 'Awards and Medals' on the Union Home Ministry's website: www.mha.nic.in. The statutes and rules relating to these awards are available on the Union Home Ministry's website with the link http://padmaawards.gov.in/SelectionGuidelines.aspx
Ministry of Science & Technology
ANRF signifies a higher level of priority & commitment to research and innovation: Secretary of SERB
Anusandhan National Research Foundation  signifies a higher level of priority and commitment to research and innovation at the highest level in the government, said Dr Akhilesh Gupta, Secretary of SERB and Advisor, DST at a talk on Anusandhan National Research Foundation hosted by the National Centre for Biological Sciences.
“The challenge of ANRF is to introduce changes so that research makes a tangible impact on society and prioritise quality and relevance over quantity, rather than the current focus on generating research output,” Dr Gupta said at the online talk titled Changing Landscape of Research Funding in India: Anusandhan National Research Foundation: India’s vision to Achieve Global Leadership.
He added that the foundation will encourage translation research in all universities beyond Technology Readiness Level  3, indicating a commitment to taking research outcomes from the lab to practical applications.
Dr Gupta pointed out that while the funds for NRF will be sourced from various avenues, including contributions from industry, philanthropic foundations, international organisations, and other stakeholders, a novel model has been proposed for the foundation which emphasises industry-led initiatives with government support. “The involvement of the industry is crucial in ensuring that research outcomes are aligned with real-world needs and can be effectively implemented,” he stressed.
He underlined that while Science and Engineering Research Board’s  transition to NRF represents a significant shift in priority of research funding in India, several significant initiatives like doubling private sector R&D investment, increasing the number of full-time researchers, promoting women's participation, and National repository of STI Data are under consideration to foster innovation and research in the country.
Professor LS Shashidhara, Director, National Centre for Biological Sciences  as well as several scientists from NCBS and other scientific institutions all over the country participated in the interactive session.
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SNC/PK
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Special Service and Features
New Regional Passport Officer Assumes Charge in Kozhikode
Kozhikode: October 3, 2023
Shri Arunmohan K today assumed charge as the new Head of the Regional Passport Office  in Kozhikode. He has been working in RPO Kozhikode as Deputy Passport Officer since December 2022.
An Officer of the 2014 batch of Indian Information Service , earlier, he was working as Deputy Director at the News Services Division, Akashvani, New Delhi. He has also worked in Press Information Bureau, Publications Division and in various other departments under the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Upon assuming charge, Shri Arunmohan expressed his commitment to further strengthen the vision of the External Affairs Ministry in delivering passport and related services to citizens in a timely, transparent, more accessible and reliable manner and in a comfortable environment.
Shri Arunmohan has taken over charge from Shri. Rahees M, a 2008 batch IES Officer who was on deputation to Central Passport Organisation from April 2017. Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts and the Union Territory of Mahe are under the jurisdiction of RPO, Kozhikode.
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